A Memorable Christmas in Cambridge: All Xmas Fairs, Events & Parties

Christmas in Cambridge: All 2024 Fairs, Events & Parties

Are you in Cambridge for the holidays? If so, here are all the special events and Christmas Fairs for the 2024 season (and more!)

Spending Christmas in Cambridge offers a delightful blend of tradition, charm, and festive activities. The historic city, with its medieval architecture and cozy atmosphere, becomes especially magical during the holiday season. So, you can expect to find a mix of old-world charm, vibrant traditions, and warm holiday cheer, making it a wonderful place to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Cambridge offers a variety of festive events and activities during the 2024 Christmas season. In this article, I will give you a local’s overview of fairs, events, and parties to enjoy.

What Is It Like to Spend Christmas in Cambridge?

Well… it is simply wonderful. Cambridge lights up beautifully in December, with streets adorned with sparkling lights and festive decorations. The city’s iconic landmarks, like the colleges, King’s Parade, and Market Square, are illuminated, creating a warm and enchanting ambience. Traditional Christmas trees and garlands can be found in public spaces and shops, too, enhancing the holiday spirit throughout the town.

Cambridge also hosts several Christmas markets, the largest being at Parker’s Piece, featuring chalets selling handmade crafts, gourmet foods, and holiday treats. Smaller, artisan-focused markets, like the “Made in Cambridge” fair at the Museum of Cambridge 🔗, offer unique gifts crafted by local artists. Here, you should be able to find everything from handcrafted jewellery to artisanal chocolates, making Cambridge a great place to pick up unique and thoughtful gifts.

But there is so much more! From traditional carol services and ice skating to fine dining, cosy pubs, concerts, and family-friendly Santa’s grottos. So, let’s take a look!

Christmas in Cambridge at Parker's Piece

From November 14th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, Parker’s Piece transforms into a festive destination that captures the holiday spirit, offering a variety of activities and settings for everyone to enjoy. You can read more about each of these activities if you keep scrolling, but to give you an idea of what you will find, here are some of the things that make up this experience:

  • Christmas Market: Explore chalet huts offering unique gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal food and drinks.
  • Ice Skating: Enjoy Cambridge’s largest outdoor ice rink, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
  • Christmas Tree Maze: Navigate through an enchanting maze adorned with festive lights.
  • Big Wheel: Experience panoramic views of the city from the Ferris wheel.
  • Alpine Lodge: Relax in a cosy setting with mulled wine and festive cocktails.
  • Après Terrace: Engage in curling lanes, air hockey, and shuffleboard games in a lively atmosphere.
Christmas in Cambridge experience at the historic Parker’s Piece
Experience Christmas in Cambridge at the historic Parker’s Piece.

Dates: November 14th, 11:00 AM, to January 5th, 11:00 PM
Location: Parker’s Piece, Cambridge

Made in Cambridge Christmas Market at the Museum of Cambridge

Dive into the holiday spirit at the Museum’s Christmas Market 🔗, where you can explore a collection of locally crafted, handmade gifts from talented artisans across Cambridgeshire – perfect for adding a unique touch to your Christmas giving!

The Museum of Cambridge presents a festive market that celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of Cambridgeshire makers. Discover a thoughtfully curated selection of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items, ideal for gifting or as a treat for yourself, all while supporting local talent. Spend time among festive decorations, soak in the holiday ambiance, and let yourself be inspired at this joyful seasonal event!

From November 29th to December 1st, 2024, the Museum of Cambridge hosts a market featuring local artisans, including:

  • Handcrafted Gifts: Browse unique items made by Cambridgeshire makers.
  • Festive Refreshments: Enjoy mulled wine, tea, and coffee from a volunteer-run stand.
  • Second-Hand Book Stall: Find a variety of books supporting sustainability efforts.

The market runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and entry is free.

Additional Christmas Events in Cambridge

Santa's Grottos

Several locations in and around Cambridge offer Santa’s Grotto experiences:

  • Santa’s Grotto at Parker’s Piece: This grotto is part of the broader Christmas in Cambridge celebration held at Parker’s Piece. Here, children can meet Santa in a festive setting, have a personal moment to share their Christmas wishes and leave with a special gift from Santa himself. The surrounding holiday village adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a full Christmas outing.
  • Santa’s Grotto at Coton Orchard Garden Centre: Nestled in the cosy, traditional setting of Coton Orchard Garden Center 🔗, this grotto provides a charming space where children can sit with Santa, share their holiday hopes, and soak up the holiday cheer. Known for its rustic, classic Christmas ambience, this grotto offers a more intimate experience, ideal for younger children.
  • Santa’s Grotto & The Enchanted Elevator at Scotsdales Garden Centre 🔗: This unique grotto offers a high-tech twist with a virtual reality Enchanted Elevator that transports children to Santa’s workshop. This immersive VR experience brings Santa’s North Pole to life, where children can explore the bustling workshop before meeting Santa in person.

Ice Skating

The ice skating rink at Parker’s Piece is one of the largest outdoor rinks in Cambridge, providing an enjoyable activity for people of all ages. The rink is beautifully lit, creating a magical winter setting, especially in the evening when the surrounding lights reflect on the ice.

Both beginners and experienced skaters are welcome, with skate rentals available on-site. The rink often hosts special events and themed skate nights, adding extra excitement. Skating here has become a festive tradition for many, with families, friends, and couples gliding (or learning to glide!) on the ice together.

Christmas Tree Maze

One of the unique attractions at Parker’s Piece is the Christmas Tree Maze, a labyrinth designed with rows of festive Christmas trees adorned in lights and decorations. Wandering through the maze is a fun experience for both children and adults, filled with twists and turns that lead to hidden surprises.

The maze provides a playful and interactive element to the festivities, encouraging exploration and delight as visitors try to find their way to the end. It’s a fantastic activity for families, with plenty of photo opportunities among the beautifully decorated trees.

Big Wheel

Standing tall in the festive village, the Big Wheel offers spectacular, panoramic views of Cambridge and the festive lights below. During the ride, visitors can take in the city’s historic skyline, adding a romantic and nostalgic feel to the experience.

At night, the Big Wheel lights up, creating a striking centrepiece for Parker’s Piece and drawing in visitors of all ages. It’s a popular attraction for those looking to see Cambridge from a new perspective, whether during the day or under the twinkling evening lights.

Christmas Parties in Cambridge

Cambridge offers a variety of festive events and parties for the 2024 Christmas season. Here are some noteworthy ones:

Cambridge Christmas Parties

  • Location: Private grounds near Anglesey Abbey, 8 miles from Cambridge City Centre.
  • Details: A purpose-built venue hosting both exclusive corporate events and shared party nights, accommodating groups from 250 to over 5,000 guests. The venue features heated luxury structures with multiple rooms and private parking.

2. Revolution Cambridge

  • Location: 3-6 Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DS.
  • Details: A versatile venue with five unique bars and a rooftop area, offering Christmas party packages ranging from £29.95 to £65.00 per person. Options include buffet-style dining, three-course meals, and various entertainment choices.

3. Boom Battle Bar Cambridge

  • Location: St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge.
  • Details: An entertainment venue featuring immersive games such as axe throwing and augmented reality darts. Ideal for office Christmas parties, with packages that include games, food, and drinks.

4. Six Cambridge Restaurant

  • Location: Cambridge City Centre.
  • Details: Offers a stunning Christmas menu with seasonal ingredients, accommodating up to 140 guests for seated meals or standing receptions. Features views across the iconic city skyline.

5. The Red Lion Hotel Whittlesford Bridge

  • Location: Near Cambridge.
  • Details: A historic hotel offering exclusive Christmas party nights with festive décor, two or three-course meals, and entertainment options. Suitable for groups of various sizes.

6. Hilton Cambridge City Centre

  • Location: Cambridge City Centre.
  • Details: Hosts themed Christmas parties, such as the “Night at the Movies” event, featuring festive menus, entertainment, and décor. Accommodates up to 280 guests.

7. Novi Cambridge

  • Location: 12 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DB.
  • Details: Offers festive feasting options with a special Christmas menu, suitable for both small gatherings and larger parties. Features a bar and kitchen with a cosy atmosphere.

8. The Civic Trowbridge

  • Location: Trowbridge, near Cambridge.
  • Details: Hosts Moulin Rouge-themed Christmas parties, including canapés, a welcome drink, a two-course festive menu, and entertainment by DJ Riky Grover. Events are scheduled for December 20th and 21st, 2024.

Planning Your Xmas Cambridge Visit

Christmas in Cambridge typically features cool and damp conditions, characteristic of the UK’s winter season. Average daytime temperatures in December hover around 9°C (48°F), with nighttime lows near 3°C (37°F). The city experiences moderate rainfall, averaging approximately 57 mm over about 15 days in December.

Snowfall during Christmas is relatively uncommon in Cambridge. While the UK can experience snow in winter, it is infrequent in southern regions like Cambridge, with significant snowfall more likely in northern and higher-altitude areas.

Given the popularity of these events, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance where required. Check individual event websites for the most current information on dates, times, and any entry fees.

Enjoy the festive season in Cambridge!

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